CLAUDE.md Templates
Key Principles
- Concise: Dense, human-readable content; one line per concept when possible
- Actionable: Commands should be copy-paste ready
- Project-specific: Document patterns unique to this project, not generic advice
- Current: All info should reflect actual codebase state
Recommended Sections
Use only the sections relevant to the project. Not all sections are needed.
Commands
Document the essential commands for working with the project.
## Commands
| Command | Description |
|---------|-------------|
| `<install command>` | Install dependencies |
| `<dev command>` | Start development server |
| `<build command>` | Production build |
| `<test command>` | Run tests |
| `<lint command>` | Lint/format code |Architecture
Describe the project structure so Claude understands where things live.
## Architecture
<root>/ <dir>/ # <purpose> <dir>/ # <purpose> <dir>/ # <purpose>
Key Files
List important files that Claude should know about.
## Key Files
- `<path>` - <purpose>
- `<path>` - <purpose>Code Style
Document project-specific coding conventions.
## Code Style
- <convention>
- <convention>
- <preference over alternative>Environment
Document required environment variables and setup.
## Environment
Required:
- `<VAR_NAME>` - <purpose>
- `<VAR_NAME>` - <purpose>
Setup:
- <setup step>Testing
Document testing approach and commands.
## Testing
- `<test command>` - <what it tests>
- <testing convention or pattern>Gotchas
Document non-obvious patterns, quirks, and warnings.
## Gotchas
- <non-obvious thing that causes issues>
- <ordering dependency or prerequisite>
- <common mistake to avoid>Workflow
Document development workflow patterns.
## Workflow
- <when to do X>
- <preferred approach for Y>Template: Project Root (Minimal)
# <Project Name>
<One-line description>
## Commands
| Command | Description |
|---------|-------------|
| `<command>` | <description> |
## Architecture
Gotchas
- <gotcha>
---
## Template: Project Root (Comprehensive)
```markdown
# <Project Name>
<One-line description>
## Commands
| Command | Description |
|---------|-------------|
| `<command>` | <description> |
## Architecture
Key Files
<path>- <purpose>
Code Style
- <convention>
Environment
<VAR>- <purpose>
Testing
<command>- <scope>
Gotchas
- <gotcha>
---
## Template: Package/Module
For packages within a monorepo or distinct modules.
```markdown
# <Package Name>
<Purpose of this package>
## Usage
<import/usage example>
## Key Exports
- `<export>` - <purpose>
## Dependencies
- `<dependency>` - <why needed>
## Notes
- <important note>Template: Monorepo Root
# <Monorepo Name>
<Description>
## Packages
| Package | Description | Path |
|---------|-------------|------|
| `<name>` | <purpose> | `<path>` |
## Commands
| Command | Description |
|---------|-------------|
| `<command>` | <description> |
## Cross-Package Patterns
- <shared pattern>
- <generation/sync pattern>Update Principles
When updating any CLAUDE.md:
- Be specific: Use actual file paths, real commands from this project
- Be current: Verify info against the actual codebase
- Be brief: One line per concept when possible
- Be useful: Would this help a new Claude session understand the project?